Armin Kogler

Armin Kogler became one of the best Austrian ski jumpers and participated in the 1980 Lake Placid and 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. In the large hill events he placed fifth and sixth respectively, but had less success in the normal hill events. In 1984, Kogler was the first Austrian to be awarded the prestigious Holmenkollen Medal. He was also elected Sportsman of the Year in Austria in 1979, 1981, and 1982.

At World Championships, Kogler won the gold medal (normal hill) and the bronze medal (large hill) in 1982. He also won silver medals with in the K120 teams in 1982 and 1985. In the men’s ski flying he added one gold in 1979 and a silver in 1981, and won 13 World Cup events. In 1980 and 1981 Kogler set two world records with 176 and 180 metres.

Kogler won the overall World Cup title in 1981 and 1982. He also finished second in the 1981 Four Hills Tournament. By occupation he became a pilot with Tyrolean Airways and commentated with the TV channel ORF. Kogler was brother-in-law to his teammates Alfred Groyer and Fritz Koch and the uncle of the latter’s son Martin.